1st edition of Kashi Film Festival begins in Varanasi

By IANS News
December 28, 2021 at 10:31 AM IST
1.3K
3 min read
1st edition of Kashi Film Festival begins in Varanasi

Varanasi, Dec 28 (IANS) The first edition of the Kashi Film Festival, a joint initiative of the Union Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and the Uttar Pradesh government, began here on Monday night.





Speaking on the occasion, BJP MP Ravi Kishan said: The three-day film festival, along with the proposed Film City project in Noida, will serve as an effective tool to prevent local talent from venturing outside of Uttar Pradesh in search of opportunities in the creative fields."





Kishan also defended the timing of the festival's launch and said: "Opposition says this was done with elections in mind. I say it reflects their own thinking. As far as we are concerned, we inaugurate 20 projects a day because that is the amount of work we have done."





The BJP MP also announced a 'Natya Kumbh', a gathering of 1,800 theatre artists in Gorakhpur early next year, where they will celebrate lesser-known heroes of Indian history under the theme of 'Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav'.





State Tourism, Culture and Charitable Affairs Ainister and local legislator Neelkanth Tiwari also used the festival stage to assert that Prime Minister Modi has set India on the path to achieving 'Ram Rajya' as envisioned by Mahatma Gandhi, whether it is through the revamped Kashi Vishwanath corridor, the repeal of Article 370, or setting Muslim women "free" from the shackles of triple talaq.





"Kashi is offering solutions to the problems of the world. When the Prime Minister launched the Kashi Vishwanath corridor, the world was watching. One problem festering for over 500 years was the Ayodhya one, the Prime Minister resolved that too," Tiwari said.






Lauding the Uttar Pradesh government and Film Bandhu for its effective promotion of the state as a go-to destination for film shooting, Union I and B secretary Apurva Chandra said the idea of hosting the Kashi Film Festival was conceived at the International Film Festival of India in Goa in November, keeping in mind rich contribution to the world of cinema.






Veteran film actor Anupam Kher said the cinema was for the world and that creative talent should not limit themselves to geographies. He said the Kashi film festival will provide a platform to local talent from which to travel the world.






Additional Chief Secretary Navneet Sehgal also said an investor's summit hosted by the Uttar Pradesh government in Mumbai had suggested that nearly 60 per cent people working in the Bollywood film industry in various capacities were from the state.






"This festival is an opportunity to promote local traditions and cultures in continuation of the Prime Minister's efforts to improve Varanasi," he said.






The inaugural festival also saw performances by actor Manoj Joshi, singer Kailash Kher and stand-up comedian Raju Srivastava.





The National Film Archives of India has showcased posters of 60 iconic Indian films - ranging from Satyajit Ray's 'Joi Baba Felunath' to 'Ram Teri Ganga Maili' - shot in Varanasi.





Tags

Bollywood Social Media
Published on December 28, 2021 at 5:01 AM

Write Your Comment Here

0/500

Max 500 characters, 100 words. Comments are moderated.

Related News & Articles

Eetha Teaser: Shraddha Kapoor Amazes Audiences With Her Never-Before-Seen Avatar Bollywood
562 views

Eetha Teaser: Shraddha Kapoor Amazes Audiences With Her Never-Before-Seen Avatar

BY SACNILK

Mumbai, June 19 - The teaser of Eetha, starring Shraddha Kapoor in the role of legendary Marathi Lavani artist Vithabai Narayangaonkar, has taken theatres by storm after being attached to the prints of Cocktail 2. Moviegoers who witnessed the teaser on the big screen have been pouring praise on social media, calling Shraddha's performance one of the finest of her career. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) The teaser offers a powerful glimpse into the life of Vithabai Narayangaonkar, one of Maharashtra’s most celebrated Tamasha and Lavani performers. Shraddha Kapoor appears completely transformed in the role, effortlessly capturing the grace, intensity, and commanding aura of the iconic folk artist. Audiences have particularly applauded her expressions, dialogue delivery, and electrifying dance sequences, which reportedly received loud cheers inside cinema halls. Several viewers described the teaser as goosebump-inducing and award-worthy, with many appreciating the emotional depth showcased within just a short runtime. One particular scene, featuring Shraddha seemingly performing in extreme physical pain due to pregnancy, has become a major talking point among fans online. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Apart from Shraddha's performance, the music by celebrated composer duo Ajay-Atul has emerged as another highlight of the teaser. Their grand orchestral score blended with authentic Lavani folk elements has struck a strong chord with audiences. Fans have hailed the background music as a masterpiece, praising how it elevates the emotional and theatrical impact of the visuals. Directed by Laxman Utekar, Eetha promises to be an ambitious cinematic tribute to Maharashtra's rich folk culture and performing arts tradition. The teaser's vibrant production design, traditional costumes, and immersive stage sequences have already created immense anticipation for the film. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) With overwhelmingly positive reactions pouring in from theatre audiences, Eetha is quickly shaping up to be one of the most awaited films of 2026. If the teaser response is anything to go by, Shraddha Kapoor may be headed toward one of the most critically acclaimed performances of her career. The film is scheduled to release on August 28, as one of the major theatrical releases.

Main Vaapas Aaunga Box Office: Imtiaz Ali Period Romance Drama Promising A Rebound With Big Mid-Week Surge Bollywood
325 views

Main Vaapas Aaunga Box Office: Imtiaz Ali Period Romance Drama Promising A Rebound With Big Mid-Week Surge

BY SACNILK

Mumbai, June 19 - Director Imtiaz Ali's period romance drama Main Vaapas Aaunga is promising a major rebound after the modest opening day at the domestic box office with a big mid-week surge. Headlined by Diljit Dosanjh, Sharvari, Vedang Raina, and Naseeruddin Shah, the film has started gaining momentum through positive word-of-mouth and steady weekday occupancy in multiplexes. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Set during the Partition era and the current time, the emotional drama opened to modest numbers on Day 1 with 1.15 crores net collection, but collections improved over the weekend as audiences connected with the film's storytelling and performances. The positive word of mouth started showing its effect at the weekend itself, but the real surprise came during the weekdays. After the opening weekend collection of 5.50 crores net, one of the biggest positives for Main Vaapas Aaunga has been its mid-week surge. On its first Monday, the film scored similarly to its opening day figure, but from there, it witnessed a huge jump of 91% on Thursday. It also scored a fantastic jump on Tuesday, followed by another jump on Wednesday, while its Thursday collection (2.20 crore net) was bigger than Saturday's figure (1.85 crore net). (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Unlike front-loaded commercial entertainers, the film appears to be following a slow-burn trajectory, with evening shows and metro cities contributing a major chunk of its overall domestic collection. Naseeruddin Shah's performance and A.R. Rahman's music have emerged as major talking points among audiences. At the end of the first week, the film has crossed 12.25 crore net and around 22 crores worldwide, a respectable figure considering its niche genre and restrained opening. However, the midweek surge hints that the film is set to put up good numbers despite the new release of Cocktail 2. If the current trend continues into the second weekend, Main Vaapas Aaunga could turn into a much-needed theatrical rebound for Imtiaz Ali and another example of strong word-of-mouth driving box office growth.

Cocktail 2 Day 1 Live News Update: Shahid Kapoor Starrer Secures Solid 8.83 Cr Opening Start Bollywood
1.6K views

Cocktail 2 Day 1 Live News Update: Shahid Kapoor Starrer Secures Solid 8.83 Cr Opening Start

BY SACNILK

Homi Adajania returns to the director's chair today, June 19, for the release of Cocktail 2, a film that carries the weight of a fourteen-year legacy. The original 2012 movie remains a definitive benchmark for the urban romantic-comedy genre, having turned a modest 35 Crore budget into a worldwide gross of over 121 Crore. Back then, the film benefited from a grounded narrative and a soundtrack that became a cultural staple. The challenge for this spiritual successor is to capture that same contemporary charm while navigating a significantly different theatrical environment in 2026. Live Now The new narrative is led by the trio of Shahid Kapoor, Kriti Sanon, and Rashmika Mandanna. For Shahid Kapoor, this release is a critical one as it marks his second major appearance of the year. His earlier outing in February, O Romeo, was a commercial disappointment that netted only 8.50 Crore on its opening day despite a very wide release. However, the early interest in Cocktail 2 indicates a much stronger resonance with the audience. By focusing on a fresh dynamic between the leads and maintaining the director’s signature style, the film is positioned to perform significantly better than Shahid's previous release. LIVE BLOG 02:20 PM (IST) 19 JUN 2026 Cocktail 2 Day 1 Live Update: Joins Elite Club With 100K+ Tickets Sold on BMS Cocktail 2 has achieved a significant milestone in its pre-release journey, officially crossing the 100,000 ticket sales mark on BookMyShow. This feat makes it only the fourth Bollywood film of 2026 to achieve a six-figure advance on the platform, joining an elite group that includes the record-breaking Dhurandhar 2: The Revenge, the patriotic war drama Border 2, and the horror-comedy hit Bhooth Bangla. 01:30 PM (IST) 19 JUN 2026 Cocktail 2 Day 1 Live Update: Net Collection Crosses 2.25 Cr Mark The matinee shows for Cocktail 2 have provided a significant push as the film officially crosses the 2 Crore mark during its afternoon window. As of current tracking on its opening day, the movie has collected a net of ₹2.29 Cr across 4,160 shows nationwide. This takes the total India gross collection to ₹2.70 Cr so far. The increase in show counts and steady occupancy in urban centers suggests that the positive critical reception is beginning to convert into walk-in ticket sales. The focus now shifts to the evening and night shows, which will determine if the film can hit the projected double-digit start. 11.45 AM (IST) 19 JUN 2026 Cocktail 2 Day 1 Live Update: Net Collection Hits 1.17 Cr Across 2,900+ Shows The live tracking for Cocktail 2 shows a steady progression as the film heads into the afternoon window. As of now, the movie has officially crossed the 1 Crore mark, netting ₹1.17 Cr in India so far today. Currently playing across 2,972 shows nationwide, the total gross collection has reached ₹1.38 Cr. With the 4-star critical reception now circulating, the occupancy is likely to see a healthy jump during the evening shows as spot bookings begin to ramp up. 10:15 AM (IST) 19 JUN 2026 Cocktail 2 Box Office: Kriti Sanon's Top 5 Post-Covid Openers vs Prediction Kriti Sanon has maintained a consistent theatrical presence in the post-pandemic era. With Cocktail 2 receiving a 4-star rating from critics and showing strong spot bookings, it is expected to challenge the upper tier of her recent filmography. Currently, her top openers are: 1. Tere Ishk Mein – ₹16.00 Cr 2. Crew – ₹9.25 Cr 3. TBMAUJ – ₹6.70 Cr 4. Shehzada – ₹6.00 Cr 5. Ganapath – ₹2.50 Cr Considering the Cocktail 2 advance gross of 8.83 Cr and the positive word-of-mouth trending in multiplexes, early projections suggest the film could net between ₹11.00 Cr – ₹12.00 Cr on its first day. If these estimates hold, Cocktail 2 will likely emerge as Kriti Sanon's second-highest opening film in the post-Covid period, overtaking Crew. 10:00 AM (IST) 19 JUN 2026 Cocktail 2 Review: Taran Adarsh Calls It A WINNER; Awards 4 Stars Trade analyst Taran Adarsh has shared his early verdict on Cocktail 2, describing it as a total WINNER. Awarding the film a strong 4-star rating, he noted that the movie more than lives up to the massive expectations following the 2012 original. The review highlights that the film scores on all fronts, including solid performances, superb music, stunning visuals, and captivating writing. #OneWordReview...#Cocktail2: WINNER. Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️More than lives up to expectations... Solid performances, superb music, stunning visuals, and captivating writing – this film scores on all fronts. #Cocktail2ReviewGet ready to be surprised... Yes, #Cocktail2 is a love… pic.twitter.com/2Kc0g13gnG— taran adarsh (@taran_adarsh) June 18, 2026 09.40 AM (IST) 19 JUN 2026 Cocktail 2 Day 1 Live Update: BMS Ticket Sales Surge; National Chains Add 3.25 Cr Cocktail 2 has officially taken center stage today, June 19. As an urban romantic drama, the film has managed a healthy start with a total advance gross of 8.83 Cr including block seats. In the major national chains, it secured 3.25 Cr, supported by roughly 76,000 ticket sales. PVR led the contributions with 1.9 Cr, while INOX and Cinepolis followed with 95 Lakhs and 40 Lakhs respectively. The momentum on BookMyShow has also been impressive, showing a significant spike in the final 24 hours. Sales rose from 6.95K on June 14 to a peak of 69.72K on June 18, bringing the final pre-sale tally on the platform to 120.29K tickets. 09.20 AM (IST) 19 JUN 2026 Cocktail 2 Day 1 Advance Report: Secures 8.83 Cr Pre-Sales Cocktail 2 has wrapped up its advance booking phase with a total gross of 8.83 Cr including block seats. Within the national multiplex chains, the film showed a steady performance by collecting 3.25 Cr from approximately 76,000 tickets sold. PVR emerged as the top contributor with 1.9 Cr, followed by INOX at 95 Lakhs and Cinepolis at 39 Lakhs. This start puts it well ahead of Shahid Kapoor’s previous release, O Romeo, which had managed 5.9 Cr in total advances earlier this year. @keyframes pulse { 0% { opacity: 1; } 50% { opacity: 0.2; } 100% { opacity: 1; } } .blinking-dot { height: 7px; width: 7px; background-color: white; border-radius: 50%; display: inline-block; animation: pulse 1.2s infinite ease-in-out; } { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "LiveBlogPosting", "headline": "Peddi Box Office Collection Day 5 Live Update", "description": "Analytical report and live updates for Peddi box office performance.", "liveBlogUpdate": [ { "@type": "BlogPosting", "headline": "Peddi hits 150 cr mark", "datePublished": "2026-06-08T09:50:00+05:30", "articleBody": "Peddi has officially crossed the 150 crore net mark in India, according to early estimates." } ] }

Cocktail 2 Box Office earns 8.83 Cr gross joining Dhurandhar 2 in the Top 5 Advance Bookings of 2026 Bollywood
2.5K views

Cocktail 2 Box Office earns 8.83 Cr gross joining Dhurandhar 2 in the Top 5 Advance Bookings of 2026

BY SACNILK

Cocktail 2 has officially taken center stage today, June 19, marking a notable moment for the mid-year box office. As an urban romantic drama, the film has managed a healthy start with a total advance gross of 8.83 Cr including block seats. In the major national chains, it secured around 3.25 Cr, supported by roughly 76,000 ticket sales. PVR led the contributions with nearly 1.9 Cr, while INOX and Cinepolis followed with 95 Lakhs and 39 Lakhs respectively. The numbers reflect a clear focus on the multiplex audience, showing that the summer window remains a viable spot for character-driven stories. This release is a significant one for Shahid Kapoor, marking his second major appearance of the year. His previous film, O Romeo, was a commercial disappointment, netting only 8.50 Cr on its opening day despite having a massive footprint of 11,903 shows. However, the advance booking pace for Cocktail 2 suggests a much more optimistic outcome for the actor. With 8.83 Cr in pre-sales already in the bag compared to the 5.9 Cr managed by O Romeo, the momentum is clearly higher this time around. This shift in audience interest indicates that Cocktail 2 is positioned to perform significantly better than his February release, which struggled to convert its wide release into substantial collections, finishing its first day with a total India gross of 10.20 Cr. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) While today is all about the contemporary vibe of Cocktail 2, it was only a few months ago that the industry witnessed a very different level of momentum with Dhurandhar 2: The Revenge. Released on March 19, this spy thriller currently holds the record for the year with a massive 62.43 Cr in total pre-sales. Its performance in national chains was on another scale, pulling in over 25 Cr from more than 5 Lakh ticket sales. PVR alone accounted for 12.16 Cr, with INOX adding 8.70 Cr. The high occupancy levels, which averaged around 40 percent in these chains, proved that high-stakes action remains the most potent driver for advance bookings in the current market. This pattern of brand-driven success actually began in the first month of the year when Border 2 arrived for the Republic Day weekend. The war drama showcased how legacy franchises can bridge the gap between different generations of filmgoers. It secured 17.5 Cr in total advance bookings, with national chains contributing roughly 5.5 Cr. By selling 1.40 Lakh tickets across these major circuits, the film established a strong foundation for the year. PVR contributed 2.60 Cr to this total, while INOX and Cinepolis together brought in nearly 2.6 Cr, benefiting from the patriotic sentiment of the January 23 release. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Beyond these massive tentpole sequels, the first half of 2026 also carved out space for specific genre collaborations that relied on director-actor nostalgia. Bhooth Bangla, which brought Akshay Kumar and Priyadarshan back together on April 17, managed over 6.5 Cr in total pre-sales. Within the national chains, it saw a gross of 1.75 Cr from approximately 52,000 tickets, with PVR providing just over 1 Cr of that volume. Similarly, the romantic thriller O Romeo utilized its February 13 release to target the Valentine's window. Starring Shahid Kapoor and Triptii Dimri, it earned 5.9 Cr in total advances, with national chains adding 1.45 Cr through 44,200 ticket sales. Top 5 Bollywood Movies of 2026 (H1) - 1st Day Advance GrossMOVIE NAMEADVANCE GROSS [WITH BLOCK SEATS]Dhurandhar 2: The Revenge₹ 62.43 CrBorder 2₹ 17.50 CrCocktail 2₹ 8.83 CrBhooth Bangla₹ 6.80 CrO Romeo₹ 5.90 Cr

Rishab Shetty's Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Biopic Expanded Into A Two-Part Theatrical Saga Bollywood
419 views

Rishab Shetty's Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Biopic Expanded Into A Two-Part Theatrical Saga

BY SACNILK

Rishab Shetty is currently at a peak in his career, especially after his National Award win for Kantara. If you have been following his upcoming line-up, it is clear that he is moving toward massive, high-budget epics. According to a report by Variety India, his highly anticipated historical project, The Pride of Bharat: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, has now seen a major change in its production strategy. Originally planned as a single film, the makers have decided to expand the story into a two-part theatrical saga. This expansion is not just about the length of the story but also the sheer scale of the production. Variety India has revealed that the film is being mounted on a massive budget of over ₹500 crore. This puts it among the most expensive historical dramas ever produced in Indian cinema. The vision behind splitting the film into two chapters is to capture the vast legacy and defining moments of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj with the detail they deserve. The current plan is to release the first chapter in 2028, with the second chapter following closely in 2029. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Director Sandeep Singh is aiming for a high level of authenticity, with a significant portion of the filming expected to take place across Maharashtra. This is where the Maratha kingdom was established, and the team wants to bring those historical sites to life on the big screen. However, fans will have to wait a bit longer for cameras to start rolling. Rishab Shetty is first expected to complete his work on Jai Hanuman, directed by Prashanth Varma, which is slated for a 2027 release. Once his commitments for that film are over, he will fully transition into the role of the legendary Maratha ruler. The scale of this project marks a significant moment for Hindi-language cinema as well, as it is being positioned as one of the most ambitious interpretations of Shivaji Maharaj's life. While the Maratha ruler has been the subject of many films over the years, the ₹500 crore budget and the two-part structure suggest that this version will be on a different level entirely. The first look of Rishab Shetty in this role has already created a lot of conversation online, and the official confirmation of this revised release strategy has only added to the anticipation. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Beyond the budget and the scale, there has also been a lot of discussion regarding a potential box office clash that has now been averted. Earlier reports suggested that the film might go head-to-head with Sanjay Leela Bhansali's highly anticipated Love and War. However, by moving the release of the first chapter to 2028, the makers have effectively avoided a massive confrontation. This shift is being seen as a calculated strategic move to ensure that both projects have enough breathing room at the box office. By choosing a solo window, the production team aims to maximize screen counts and audience reach, preventing two of Indian cinema’s biggest titles from eating into each other’s revenue. As of now, the technical crew and the rest of the supporting cast are yet to be officially announced. With Jai Hanuman in 2027 and the two parts of the Shivaji saga in 2028 and 2029, Rishab Shetty's schedule for the next few years is officially packed with some of the biggest films in the country.

Salman Khan In Talks To Headline Farhan Akhtar's Ambitious Two-Part Period Action Drama Bollywood
815 views

Salman Khan In Talks To Headline Farhan Akhtar's Ambitious Two-Part Period Action Drama

BY SACNILK

Mumbai, June 17 - Bollywood superstar Salman Khan is reportedly in talks with filmmaker Farhan Akhtar for an ambitious two-part period action drama. The project is said to be envisioned on a grand scale and could potentially become one of the biggest collaborations in Hindi cinema in recent years. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) According to the report by Pinkvilla, the film is being designed as a large-scale period spectacle packed with action and high production value. Due to the expansive nature of the story, the makers are reportedly considering a two-part format to fully explore the narrative and its characters. It is said that the project is still in an early stage with no paperwork in place. Salman Khan and Farhan Akhtar have reportedly been meeting frequently over the last few weeks, and the actor has shown keen interest in the subject. Both sides are excited about the possibility of coming together for the first time. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Farhan Akhtar, known for directing stylish films and backing major projects through Excel Entertainment, is reportedly involved in shaping the vision of the film. However, details regarding the title, supporting cast, shooting schedule, and release timeline are still under wraps. Meanwhile, Salman is currently shooting for Vamsi Paidipally's family action drama film. He also has Maatrubhumi: May War Rest in Peace, which is expected to release sometime later this year. By October/November, the Sultan star will start Raj&Dk's superhero movie, and after wrapping it up, he is expected to dive into Farhan's period actioner.

Alpha Trailer: Alia Bhatt and Sharvari Lead a Fierce Spy Origin Story As Hrithik Roshan's Cameo Sparks Buzz Bollywood
352 views

Alpha Trailer: Alia Bhatt and Sharvari Lead a Fierce Spy Origin Story As Hrithik Roshan's Cameo Sparks Buzz

BY SACNILK

Mumbai, June 17 - The much-awaited trailer of Alpha is finally here, and it promises a gripping mix of high-octane action and espionage drama. Headlined by Alia Bhatt and Sharvari, the upcoming film marks a significant expansion of the YRF Spy Universe by introducing its first female-led action spectacle. From the very first frame, Alpha establishes a darker and more intense tone. Alia Bhatt appears in a never-before-seen avatar as a ruthless and highly skilled operative, while Sharvari complements her with equally fierce screen presence and combat-heavy sequences. Together, the duo takes centre stage in what appears to be a deadly origin story packed with betrayal, revenge, and covert missions. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) The trailer is loaded with slick visuals and explosive action choreography. Several sequences showcase hand-to-hand combat, large-scale explosions, and stylish chase scenes, positioning Alpha as one of the most ambitious entries in the spy franchise so far. The trailer also confirms that Bobby Deol is playing the antagonist, who trains Alia and Sharvari's characters to seemingly use against India. The movie also features Anil Kapoor as R&AW chief Colonel Vikrant Kaul. However, one of the major highlights of the trailer is the confirmation of Hrithik Roshan's cameo as Major Kabir Dhaliwal. While the makers didn't reveal his complete look, eagle-eyed viewers spotted what seems to be a brief glimpse of the actor reprising his role from War. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Social media erupted soon after the trailer launch, with fans praising Alia Bhatt's transformation into a full-fledged action hero and celebrating Sharvari's powerful presence. Directed by Shiv Rawail, Alpha appears to blend emotional storytelling with stylised action, aiming to carve out a unique identity within the blockbuster franchise. With its intense narrative setup and star-studded connections, the film has already emerged as one of the most anticipated releases from the YRF banner. If the trailer is anything to go by, Alpha is set to deliver a thrilling new chapter in the spy universe — one led by two women ready to redefine the rules of the game. It is scheduled to release on July 3. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) girls just want to have fun…with guns 🧨 ALPHA in cinemas from 3rd July! pic.twitter.com/q9S9ZiFdbI— Yash Raj Films (@yrf) June 17, 2026

Ranbir Kapoor Earns Spot in TIME's 100 Most Influential People List of 2026 As The Only Indian Actor Bollywood
456 views

Ranbir Kapoor Earns Spot in TIME's 100 Most Influential People List of 2026 As The Only Indian Actor

BY SACNILK

Mumbai, June 16 - Bollywood superstar Ranbir Kapoor has achieved another major milestone in his career by securing a place in TIME magazine's prestigious 100 Most Influential People list for 2026. The actor emerged as the only Indian film star featured on this year's global list, marking a significant moment for Indian cinema on the international stage. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) TIME magazine recognised Ranbir Kapoor for his growing influence in global entertainment, his powerful performances, and his contribution to redefining contemporary Indian cinema. The recognition comes after the massive success of films like Animal and the worldwide anticipation surrounding his upcoming epic Ramayana. Actor Ayushmann Khurrana penned a heartfelt tribute for Kapoor in the magazine, describing him as "a symbol of the evolving India — rooted in emotion, yet fearless in ambition." He praised Ranbir's ability to balance commercial success with meaningful storytelling, calling him one of the most versatile actors of his generation. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Over the years, Ranbir Kapoor has built a reputation for delivering critically acclaimed performances in films such as Rockstar, Barfi!, Sanju, and Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani. His ability to portray emotionally layered characters has earned him both audience admiration and industry respect. Ranbir Kapoor's inclusion in the TIME 100 list reflects the growing global recognition of Indian cinema and its artists. As Bollywood continues to expand its international reach, Kapoor's achievement stands as a proud moment for the Indian entertainment industry. With several ambitious projects lined up for the future, Ranbir Kapoor's influence appears set to grow even further, solidifying his position as one of India's most impactful cinematic voices.

Alia Bhatt Roped In To Play A Crucial Role In Prabhas-Led Kalki 2 Bollywood
709 views

Alia Bhatt Roped In To Play A Crucial Role In Prabhas-Led Kalki 2

BY SACNILK

Mumbai, June 16 - Bollywood star Alia Bhatt has reportedly joined the cast of the highly anticipated sequel to Kalki 2898 AD. According to recent reports, the actress has not only been roped in for a crucial role but has also completed shooting some of her scenes for the film. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Directed by Nag Ashwin, Kalki 2 is to continue the epic sci-fi saga that captivated audiences worldwide with its grand visuals, futuristic storytelling, and mythological elements. The sequel will once again feature Prabhas in the lead role, alongside Amitabh Bachchan and Kamal Haasan, while Sai Pallavi replaces Deepika Padukone from the first film. Industry buzz suggests that Alia Bhatt's character will play an important part in shaping the narrative of the sequel. Earlier, there were rumours that Alia would replace Deepika Padukone to play Sum-80 aka Sumathi, a pregnant lab subject of Project K and the prophesied mother of Kalki. However, later it was reported that Sai Pallavi would play that role. While the makers have yet to confirm the development officially, reports of her involvement have already generated massive excitement among fans on social media. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) The first film, Kalki 2898 AD, emerged as one of the biggest cinematic successes of 2024, featuring a star-studded ensemble including Amitabh Bachchan, Kamal Haasan, Deepika Padukone, and Disha Patani. With the sequel now in production, expectations are significantly high. Alia Bhatt's reported addition to the franchise further strengthens the film's star power. The actress, known for delivering acclaimed performances across multiple genres, is currently one of the most sought-after names in Indian cinema. As anticipation around Kalki 2 continues to build, fans are now eagerly waiting for an official announcement from the makers regarding Alia Bhatt's role and the film's release timeline.

Top 5 Box Office Weekend Grossers (June 12-14): Haunted 3D and Obsession Emerge Winners As Ram Charan's Peddi Sees A Drop Bollywood
1.3K views

Top 5 Box Office Weekend Grossers (June 12-14): Haunted 3D and Obsession Emerge Winners As Ram Charan's Peddi Sees A Drop

BY SACNILK

Mumbai, June 15 - The Indian box office witnessed a competitive weekend from June 12 to 14, with a mix of holdover releases and new arrivals attracting audiences across the country. While Ram Charan's Peddi comfortably retained the top position, the biggest success stories of the weekend were Obsession and Haunted 3D, both of which delivered impressive numbers and continued the recent dominance of horror films at the box office. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Peddi emerged as the highest-grossing film of the weekend, collecting an estimated 26.30 crore during the three days. Although the film experienced a noticeable drop from its opening weekend, it continued to attract audiences in Telugu states and remained the top choice among moviegoers. The sports-action drama has already established itself as one of the year's biggest box office successes and is continuing its run despite growing competition. Hollywood horror thriller Obsession secured the second spot with an excellent 17.70 crore weekend. The film once again demonstrated extraordinary staying power, registering strong occupancy across major urban centres. The horror title has become one of the biggest surprise successes of the year in India and is steadily moving toward the 100 crore milestone. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Among the new releases, Haunted 3D: Echoes of the Past delivered the strongest performance. The horror sequel collected approximately 11 crore over its opening weekend and emerged as the best-performing newcomer. The interest in the horror genre helped the film overcome limited screen presence and establish itself as a successful theatrical release. Varun Dhawan, Pooja Hegde, and Mrunal Thakur's Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai put up a decent performance in the second weekend, though the overall collection is still underwhelming. Rounding out the top five was Steven Spielberg's sci-fi Hollywood thriller Disclosure Day. The film found a niche audience in multiplexes and performed reasonably well considering the crowded marketplace. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Top 5 Box Office Weekend Grossers (June 12-14) S. No. Movie Weekend India GBOC Total India GBOC 1 Peddi ₹ 26.30 Cr ₹ 256.25 Cr 2 Obsession ₹ 17.70 Cr ₹ 77.00 Cr 3 Haunted 3D ₹ 11.00 Cr ₹ 11.00 Cr 4 Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai ₹ 8.45 Cr ₹ 53.25 Cr 5 Disclosure Day ₹ 7.55 Cr ₹ 7.55 Cr Note: Gross collection*

Cocktail 2 Opening Day Box Office Expectations: Shahid Kapoor, Kriti Sanon, Rashmika Mandanna's Sequel Heading For Double-Digit Opening Bollywood
6K views

Cocktail 2 Opening Day Box Office Expectations: Shahid Kapoor, Kriti Sanon, Rashmika Mandanna's Sequel Heading For Double-Digit Opening

BY SACNILK

Mumbai, June 15 - Shahid Kapoor, Kriti Sanon, and Rashmika Mandanna's much-awaited romantic comedy drama Cocktail 2 is showing promising signs at the box office ahead of its release on June 19. The film's advance booking commenced on June 14, and the initial response from audiences has been encouraging, indicating healthy anticipation for the sequel. The film has kept the decent advance sales momentum leading to the release day, hinting at a good opening. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) In the first 24 hours of advance sales, Cocktail 2 sold approximately 11,000 tickets (without block seats) for its opening day nationwide, with the current ticket sold count standing at 82,000, worth 5.40 crores gross (with block seats), with a few hours still left for the release. The final advance sales are expected to be over 7 crores gross for the opening day, which is a good result, suggesting that the film has managed to generate considerable interest among moviegoers, particularly in urban multiplex circuits where romantic entertainers traditionally perform well. The positive booking trend has strengthened trade expectations for the film's opening day collection. According to early projections, Cocktail 2 is expected to open in the 12 crore to 15 crore net range in India, which would comfortably place it among the better Bollywood openings of the year. If the film manages to sustain its current booking momentum over the coming days, the higher end of that range could also come into play. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Cocktail 2 First Day Advance Booking Report The original Cocktail, released in 2012, had opened to 10.95 crore net at the Indian box office and went on to emerge as one of the most successful urban romantic dramas of its time. Based on the sequel's early pre-sales performance, Cocktail 2 appears well-positioned to surpass the opening-day collection of the first film and set a new benchmark for the franchise. The advance booking activity for major Bollywood releases typically accelerates significantly on the last day before release, particularly with spot bookings and last-minute ticket purchases contributing heavily to overall sales. Directed by Homi Adajania, Cocktail 2 brings together Shahid Kapoor, Kriti Sanon, and Rashmika Mandanna in a fresh romantic tale while carrying forward the brand value established by the cult 2012 hit. The film's music, star cast, and promotional campaign have all contributed to building awareness among audiences. With encouraging bookings, strong urban appeal, and a popular franchise name behind it, Cocktail 2 is currently on track for a double-digit opening. The next few days of pre-sales will determine whether the film can push beyond expectations and emerge as one of Bollywood's biggest romantic-comedy openings in recent years. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({})

Haunted 3D: Echoes of the Past 1st Weekend Collection: Rs. 9.35 Cr Net; Misses Top 10 Spot By 7.88% Bollywood
654 views

Haunted 3D: Echoes of the Past 1st Weekend Collection: Rs. 9.35 Cr Net; Misses Top 10 Spot By 7.88%

BY SACNILK

Haunted 3D: Echoes of the Past has completed its opening weekend at the box office, bringing in steady numbers that reflect a focused interest in the horror-mystery genre. As a spiritual successor to the 2011 hit Haunted 3D, this new chapter entered the theaters with a reported budget of 15 crore. After three days of play, the film has managed to secure a net collection of 9.35 crore in India. Haunted 3D: Echoes of the Past - 1st Weekend CollectionDAYINDIA NET COLLECTIONSHOW COUNTOCCUPANCYDay 1 (Friday)₹ 2.50 Cr2,90715.4%Day 2 (Saturday)₹ 3.25 Cr3,77015.0%Day 3 (Sunday)₹ 3.60 Cr4,13017.0%Total Weekend₹ 9.35 Cr10,807- (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) The film showed a positive upward trend over the weekend. Following a Friday opening of 2.50 crore, the collections jumped by 30 percent on Saturday to reach 3.25 crore. Sunday saw a further growth of 10.8 percent, bringing in 3.60 crore. This cumulative performance has pushed the total India gross to ₹11.03 crore, keeping the worldwide gross at the same ₹11.03 crore mark. Given the production scale, reaching nearly 10 crore net in three days is a respectable start, though it still has some ground to cover to reach the break-even point. In terms of occupancy, the 3D format has clearly been the preferred choice for the audience. In the National Capital Region (NCR), the 3D version maintained a consistent overall occupancy of 32.8 percent across both Day 1 and Day 3. The evening shows on Sunday were particularly busy in this region with 44 percent occupancy. In Mumbai, the 3D shows saw an even better response on Sunday with a 35 percent occupancy rate. On the other hand, the 2D version struggled to match these heights. For instance, in Ahmedabad, the 2D version saw 8.3 percent occupancy on Friday, which grew slightly to 10.8 percent by Sunday. These numbers suggest that the 3D gimmick continues to be the primary draw for the franchise. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) With its opening weekend total of 9.35 crore, Haunted 3D: Echoes of the Past currently sits at the 11th spot for the highest opening weekends of 2026. The film narrowly missed entering the elite Top 10 list by just 80 lakhs. Here is the list of the top 10 opening weekend performers of the year so far: Dhurandhar 2: The Revenge – ₹290.94 Cr Border 2 – ₹121.00 Cr Bhooth Bangla – ₹54.25 Cr O Romeo – ₹30.15 Cr Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai – ₹24.00 Cr Mardaani 3 – ₹17.50 Cr Pati Patni Aur Woh Do – ₹17.50 Cr Ikkis – ₹13.15 Cr Chand Mera Dil – ₹11.00 Cr The Kerala Story 2: Goes Beyond – ₹10.15 Cr National chains like PVR, INOX, and Cinepolis contributed significantly to the Sunday totals. On Day 3 alone, these chains sold approximately 11,300 tickets, generating a gross of 36 lakh. PVR led the pack with 16 lakh in gross from 393 shows, followed by INOX at 11 lakh and Cinepolis at 9 lakh. Across the entire weekend, over 23,660 tickets were sold through these major national chains. Ticket sales on BookMyShow also stayed healthy, with 51,450 tickets booked in the last 24 hours of the weekend, bringing the total platform sales to 174,150 tickets. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Comparing this performance to the original 2011 Haunted 3D provides an interesting perspective. The first film was a certified hit, ending its run with an India net of 25.37 crore and a worldwide gross of 34.25 crore. While Echoes of the Past has a ways to go before matching those lifetime figures, its current weekend net of 9.35 crore puts it at about 37 percent of the original film's total domestic earnings. For the sequel to replicate the hit status of its predecessor, it will need to maintain a strong grip over the weekdays and avoid a significant Monday drop. The total show count for the weekend reached 10,807 shows, indicating a wide release for a film of this size. The film stars Mimoh Chakraborty alongside Chetna Pande and is billed as a spiritual successor that leans heavily into the gothic horror elements established by Vikram Bhatt. While the niche genre usually sees front-loaded performance, the growth seen on Saturday and Sunday offers a glimmer of hope for a steady run in the coming days.